BYD Logs 200 OTA Updates in 2025, Far Outpacing Toyota, Volkswagen

In 2025, BYD’s Ocean and Dynasty series models collectively received approximately 200 over-the-air (OTA) updates—the highest number among automakers globally. During the same period, Chinese brands such as Aito and Leapmotor also maintained relatively high update frequencies. In comparison, Tesla rolled out 16 OTA updates in the Chinese market, Toyota delivered 8, and Volkswagen issued just 5. OTA updates primarily focused on vehicle control, design optimization, driver-assistance features, and system functionality enhancements. BYD’s ability to deliver frequent updates stems from its in-house development of core OTA-related technologies, including semiconductors, operating systems, and execution hardware. The company stated that designing all systems internally enables faster and more precise implementation of updates and aims to boost product appeal—and ultimately sales—through continuous feature improvements. As the trend of “software-defined vehicles” accelerates, automakers are increasingly integrating OTA into the entire lifecycle planning of their vehicles. Under traditional models, new cars typically undergo minor updates every two years and full model replacements every six to seven years. In contrast, software-defined vehicles can evolve continuously, much like smartphones. For example, Dongfeng Nissan launched its all-electric N7 model in April 2025 and delivered its first OTA update just two months later, adding new app support and enhanced voice recognition capabilities. The company plans to maintain an update cadence of once every two to three months. Some automakers are also exploring how OTA can extend product lifecycles. Toyota plans to use OTA updates to stretch the replacement cycle of its flagship models from around seven years to nine years, aiming to reduce customers’ short-term resale intentions, increase residual values in the used-car market, and lower ownership costs. However, this approach may also diminish automakers’ opportunities to recoup investments through regular model refreshes. Currently, most OTA updates in the Chinese market remain free of charge and thus do not directly generate revenue. XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng noted that achieving Level 4 or higher autonomous driving could enable a shift toward subscription-based business models. Indeed, Tesla has already transitioned its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability in the U.S. and Canada from a one-time purchase to a $99-per-month subscription starting mid-February 2025.